In an update from the tragic rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire on former President Donald Trump and his supporters, we have learned that the conditions of two critically injured Trump supporters have improved to stable.
David Dutch, 57, of New Kensington, PA, and James Copenhaver, 74, of Moon Township, PA, were initially listed in critical condition following the shooting. According to a statement from the Pennsylvania State Police, both men are now in stable condition at Pittsburgh area hospitals. CNN reported that Mr. Dutch required two surgeries for gunshot wounds to his liver and chest.
The incident, which occurred on Saturday night, claimed the life of Corey Comperatore, a retired firefighter and father of two. Comperatore was killed while shielding his wife and daughter from gunfire.
His heroic actions were highlighted by his daughter Allyson in a heartfelt Facebook post, where she described him as the “best dad a girl could ever ask for” and a real-life superhero.
“The media will not tell you that he died a real-life superhero,” Allyson wrote. “They are not going to tell you how quickly he threw my mom and me to the ground. They are not going to tell you that he shielded my body from the bullet that came for us. And I want nothing more than to cry on him and tell him thank you.”
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro praised Comperatore’s bravery and ordered all commonwealth and American flags in Pennsylvania to be flown at half-staff in his honor.
“Last night was shocking for this community and for this commonwealth, and I know for this country. Political disagreements can never, ever be addressed through violence. Disagreements are okay, but we need to use a peaceful political process to settle those differences,” Shapiro stated.
The exact number of injured victims remains unclear. Crooks managed to fire up to 10 shots from a rooftop approximately 130 yards from Trump’s podium before being neutralized by Secret Service snipers. A local police officer’s attempt to approach Crooks reportedly forced the gunman to rush his shots, potentially preventing further casualties.
U.S. Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-TX) told Fox News that his nephew was grazed by a bullet in the neck and is currently recovering.
